Islamabad, July 21 — In a major counter-terrorism development, Pakistan’s security forces have eliminated 17 terrorists and apprehended 8 others during separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. The information was confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and intelligence sources on Sunday evening.
Joint Operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand District
According to The Express Tribune, a large-scale intelligence-driven operation was conducted between July 16 and July 20 in Malakand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the course of this operation:
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9 terrorists were killed
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8 others were captured alive
ISPR confirmed that all the neutralized militants were affiliated with the Fitna al-Khawarij group. Two key terrorist hideouts were destroyed during the operation, and a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was seized.
Separate Operations in Balochistan
In a parallel effort, security forces conducted two IBOs in Balochistan, which resulted in the deaths of 8 more terrorists. These operations come amid rising security threats in the region.
Civilian Casualties from Terrorist Attacks
The wave of violence also witnessed deadly attacks on civilians:
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In Kalat district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger coach en route from Karachi to Quetta, killing three civilians and injuring seven others.
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In Loralai district, nine passengers were reportedly kidnapped and executed by terrorists after being forcibly taken off buses.
Drone Strike and Police Abductions in South Waziristan
Separately, in Upper South Waziristan, a suspected quadcopter drone strike killed one woman and injured two others. The cause and source of the strike are yet to be independently verified.
Adding to the unrest, seven police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were allegedly abducted in two different incidents in the same region on Sunday.
National Response
Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the efforts of the security forces and military for their successful anti-terror operations. The federal leadership reiterated its resolve to continue fighting terrorism and maintaining internal security.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from ISPR, intelligence sources, and media outlets including The Express Tribune and Dawn. The information is subject to updates. Readers are advised to consult official government releases for the latest developments.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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